You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

The attack on the 20th convoy to Auschwitz was unusual and life-altering for many. Three men from the Belgian Resistance tricked the Nazis running the train to stop in the middle of the night and then hastily cut the barbed wire keeping in more than 1,600 people in freight wagons; 233 escaped and 118 survived. On Friday, Dec. 9, one of those survivors, Simon Gronowski, will be at Vista Grande Community Center to speak about his experiences during this horrific and turbulent time, followed by a jazz piano performance beginning at 7:30pm. Gronowski is a Doctor of Law at Université libre de Bruxelles, but in his spare time plays jazz piano and travels the world discussing his most painful experiences and how he's learned to forgive. Advance tickets to see this incredible survivor are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. (Megan Reneau)

Ever wonder what will happen to that priceless Pez collection you've been building for over 20 years when you go to that big toy box in the sky? Or the box of orphaned electronics cables that went to … something? I'll tell you what happens: Some poor doofus has to lug them to the curb, cursing your corpse the whole way. How about instead, you quit thinking about yourself and go listen to author death educator Gail Rubin as she discusses her book, Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die, this Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3pm at Treasure House Books and Gifts. The event is free, so there's no excuse to go on leaving your problems to the next jerk. (Joshua Lee)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

Is it just me or do people have way more narrishkeit around the holiday season? I know there are some people agree, because “OY! A Comedy with Chutzpah,” written by Rich Orloff and directed by Harry Zimmerman is a sketch show being performed at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Albuquerque that pays comedic tribute to all (frustrating) things Jewish and human on Saturday, Dec. 10, beginning at 7:30pm. The show has been performed at short play festivals like Summer Shorts in Miami and Shadowbox Cabaret in Ohio. They'll perform sketches “Good News from Albert” that follows the the mother of Albert Einstein after he won the Nobel Prize, “Can This Marriage be Saved?” about a human seeking a divorce from God, “Oy” about all the fun words in the Yiddish language, "A Trolley Named Tsuris" a parody of A Streetcar Named Desire and “Come Light the Menorah” following a woman who just learned her sister is lesbian and, more importantly, is dating someone who isn't Jewish. Tickets for nonmember adults costs $15 and tickets for members of JCC are $12. (Megan Reneau)

Get into the spirit of the holidays by visiting Congregation Nahalat Shalom for a Hanukah party and fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10. from 5:30 until 9pm. This mega event, entitled Hanukat Shalom, features a vast variety of diversions and activities that are good for the community and nourishing to the soul. This fundraiser for Burque's progressive renewal synagogue features arts and crafts by a variety of local creatives, children's games and activities, and plenty of traditional holiday food for sale. There will also be performances, dances and a sing-along that includes locals such The Neo-Weavers as well as The Nahalat Shalom Community Klezmer Band in coordination with the children of the temple's Hebrew School. Suggested donations for entry range from $5 to $25. (August March)

Stomp into the Christmas spirit by seeing Mariachi Christmas this weekend. Enjoy timeless folk dancing and traditional holiday mariachi music at New Mexico Tech in Socorro at the Macey Center starting at 7:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 10, or catch the featured groups at Popejoy Hall starting at 3pm on Sunday, Dec. 11. The classic sounds and the dancers this year are from the Mariachi Juvenil Aztlan and Ballet Folklorico from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Tickets are $10-$20. (Nina Ferrell)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

Stomp into the Christmas spirit by seeing Mariachi Christmas this weekend. Enjoy timeless folk dancing and traditional holiday mariachi music at New Mexico Tech in Socorro at the Macey Center starting at 7:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 10, or catch the featured groups at Popejoy Hall starting at 3pm on Sunday, Dec. 11. The classic sounds and the dancers this year are from the Mariachi Juvenil Aztlan and Ballet Folklorico from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Tickets are $10-$20. (Nina Ferrell)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

Immerse your self in a baroque classic this holiday season at Popejoy Hall this Friday, Dec. 16. Roger Melone, who often works with baroque pieces will be conducting Handel's Messiah. Melone will not only conduct, but also play the harpsichord. New Mexico's Philharmonic will play this Biblical masterpiece. Not only is the New Mexico Philharmonic highly select members but it is also nationally renown. In Handel's Messiah you can hear the compilation of a full symphony and a moving chorus. You can experience this 7:30-9:30pm and it cost $20-$50, Student discounts are available. (Nina Ferrell)

What do flamenco dancers, shepherdesses and a storyteller doll have in common? A nutcracker, that's what. The Festival Ballet Albuquerque, choreographed by Patricia Dickinson Wells and a full orchestra guided by Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, present traditional The Nutcracker Ballet with New Mexican flair this weekend Dec. 16-18, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Enjoy the classic characters recreated with local interpretation as Spanish and flamenco dancers with native animals like snakes, sheep and hummingbirds coupled with some flaming pyrotechnics. The show on Friday and Saturday begins at 7pm and on Sunday, 2pm. Tickets range from $14-$47 with $2 off for seniors and children. (Megan Reneau)

This Saturday, Dec. 17, over 30 local arts and crafts vendors will gather at the Second Annual Humble Holidays Arts and Crafts Show to showcase and sell their wares. The event takes place at Humble Coffee, at the corner of Montclaire NE and Lomas, from 10am-4pm. Musicians from the Rock 101 Academy will be playing tunes throughout the day. There will also be food trucks to get tasty noshes from and fantastic coffee provided by Humble. Come stroll through the market while sipping your favorite coffee and get some holiday gifts, all while supporting local artists! (Robin Babb)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

What do flamenco dancers, shepherdesses and a storyteller doll have in common? A nutcracker, that's what. The Festival Ballet Albuquerque, choreographed by Patricia Dickinson Wells and a full orchestra guided by Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, present traditional The Nutcracker Ballet with New Mexican flair this weekend Dec. 16-18, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Enjoy the classic characters recreated with local interpretation as Spanish and flamenco dancers with native animals like snakes, sheep and hummingbirds coupled with some flaming pyrotechnics. The show on Friday and Saturday begins at 7pm and on Sunday, 2pm. Tickets range from $14-$47 with $2 off for seniors and children. (Megan Reneau)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

What do flamenco dancers, shepherdesses and a storyteller doll have in common? A nutcracker, that's what. The Festival Ballet Albuquerque, choreographed by Patricia Dickinson Wells and a full orchestra guided by Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, present traditional The Nutcracker Ballet with New Mexican flair this weekend Dec. 16-18, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Enjoy the classic characters recreated with local interpretation as Spanish and flamenco dancers with native animals like snakes, sheep and hummingbirds coupled with some flaming pyrotechnics. The show on Friday and Saturday begins at 7pm and on Sunday, 2pm. Tickets range from $14-$47 with $2 off for seniors and children. (Megan Reneau)

Sure. Sure. Wolverine and Spider-Man are pretty good at fighting off aliens and mad scientists, but when's the last time one of them showed their support for children suffering through the stresses of illness and hospitalization. I mean, I don't want to go calling anyone out here, but maybe they should take a cue from some real heroes: the dancers performing at the Superhero Fundraiser for UNM Children's Hospital Child Life this Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4pm at Mindful Movement and Wellness. Presented by the Scripta Motu Dance Company, this homage to spandex and capes will include raffle prizes, super-themed activities and a great show. The show costs $10 per person and includes three raffle tickets. (Joshua Lee)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)

You know that he was dead, to begin with. Dead as a doornail, in fact. You may also know that he was played beautifully by Statler and Waldorf, even by Gary Oldman and Martin Sheen. But before now, few people have accessed much depth in the character of Jacob Marley from Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The Santa Fe Playhouse is turning all that around with their production, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, a tale that plunges the depths of one doomed soul. The show runs from Dec. 8-24, and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20. Don't miss your chance to see the consequence wrought by the weighty chains forged in life. (Maggie Grimason)